Definition of First Great Awakening

Starting in England around 1730, the First Great Awakening (circa 1740–60 in America) saw the growth of locally autonomous Christian churches practicing a decentralized, emotional version of Christianity still typified by the evangelical movement today. Brought to America by English preachers such as George Whitefield, the movement gained popularity in America as the influence of charismatic leaders such as Jonathan Edwards led to a realignment of social, political, and religious identities. The local autonomy in doctrine characteristic of Congregationalists and other sects, such as Baptists, who adopted the evangelical approach of the religious revival, is credited with hastening the American Revolution by normalizing challenges to religious and government authority, and by separating colonists from the British identity reinforced by the Anglican Church.